“This is fun,” said 86-year-old John Curtis as he twisted the handle to his kitchen sink. “I sometimes drink this now.”
Running water used to be a luxury in Curtis’ home on Gilbert Street in the Metro South area of Jacksonville.
Last year, Curtis’ house was tethered to his neighbor’s garden hose in order for him to get water. His well had gone dry and he couldn’t afford to hook up to city water. That’s when he turned to Hart Felt Ministries for help.
“They were a lifesaver. I was to the point where I didn't know what in the Hades I was going to do.”
Hart Felt Ministries, which helps low-income seniors, paid $1,500 to buy Curtis a JEA water meter. A plumber volunteered his time and paid for supplies to do the hookup.
"We were able to get a plumber through Hart Felt who was able to do a tap into the house. Now, Mr. Curtis has water," said Todd Strong, who has visited Mr. Curtis every week for the last year and a half.
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Strong takes Mr. Curtis to breakfast every Saturday and drives him to do his errands. He is one of the 700 Hart Felt volunteers who help seniors in our area.
Hart Felt Executive Director Kelly Moorman Coggins said grants and donations have helped create a new fund that allows Hart Felt to pay for JEA meters, utility and phone bills.
"We have always said that we always wanted to help seniors age in place and by being able to do the minor home repairs that they can't do or can’t afford to do, it makes a big difference in their lives," said Moorman Coggins.
Recipients have to qualify for the money and meet certain income requirements.
Hart Felt has certainly made a difference for Curtis. “If it wasn’t for Hart Felt Ministries, I still wouldn’t have water.”
Hart Felt helped some 550 seniors in our area last year. ;But they can't do it without financial help. That's why Hart Felt is holding its annual fundraising gala Saturday, Sept. 17 at Deerwood Country Club. Pam Tebow is the guest speaker. For tickets, go to www.hartfelt.org.